In this Khmer New Year, I went to Siem Reap province. Along the road, I saw that people went to their home land. Some took taxi, which normally charges high price, almost double. Those who are poor could not have enough money to pay the taxi fees and thus they have to do whatever they can do to pay less or little to the taxi drivers, as example as shown in this picture.

They are waiting until the taxi get full passengers. The more passengers, the more money/income the taxi drive could earn. Thus, there is no option for them, but to wait, if they want to pay cheaper price to travel to their target areas/destination. Looking into this picture, we may imagine that it is very risky in relation to traffic accident.

Currently, our public transport is poor. Public transport shall be in place to cut down the high price of transport, especially during any big event like the Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, etc., while Cambodia road infrastructure is built and improved. Taking this into the main agenda of the government, I would propose for the fourth mandate of the Royal Government of Cambodia, is important and necessary. The government’s rectangular strategy and the priority areas of Ministry of Public Transport shall take this into serious account. I hope that the state’s rail road in the near future, about 3 to 5 years, may help reduce price in transportation.

Beside the public transport, bus run by private companies would be also another means to save money of passengers, especially those who are poor. But bus fees were also increase, almost double during every big Khmer traditional events.

Any way, the high price of fuel and gas also contribute to the high price of transport. Another factor is the high price of food commodities which are now increasing. High price of food would mean that all buyers need more income/money to spend more. Taxi drivers may affirm that the taxi fees is high because other goods and services also increase.

In short, I think, due to the current situation, the price of transportation is still high.